ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York's attorney general is targeting companies advertising ineffective insect repellents to cash in on concerns over the Zika virus.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says his office has sent letters to seven companies, telling them to stop marketing products as ``Zika-preventive'' or ``Zika-protective.''
The tropical mosquito that carries Zika is not common in New York. The virus can affect pregnant women, causing birth defects.
People in Zika-affected areas are advised to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and use insect repellent.
The state has confirmed 537 cases, all apparently connected to travel to affected areas. Five cases were sexually transmitted.
The Centers for Disease Control Prevention says repellents typically providing long-lasting protection contain DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. It lists brand names on its website .
